Do Young Adults Still Believe in Marriage?

At a Glance

Since 1950, the average age at first marriage has increased by about eight years, to roughly age 28 for women and 30 for men.
Most Gen Z (81%) value marriage but are rethinking family.
Gen Z are the least likely of any generation to say marriage is important for raising children (67%).

Since 1950, the average age at first marriage has risen by nearly eight years, reaching about 30 for men and 28 for women. New data from Barna’s The State of Today’s Family report looks at what’s behind this delay, and changing beliefs about marriage among young adults today.

They Want Marriage—Just Not Yet

Among those who aren’t married, most still expect it to be part of their future: 78 percent of Gen Z and 73 percent of Millennials say they want to marry someday.

At a Glance

Since 1950, the average age at first marriage has increased by about eight years, to roughly age 28 for women and 30 for men.
Most Gen Z (81%) value marriage but are rethinking family.
Gen Z are the least likely of any generation to say marriage is important for raising children (67%).

They Want Marriage—Just Not Yet

Among those who aren’t married, most still expect it to be part of their future: 78 percent of Gen Z and 73 percent of Millennials say they want to marry someday.